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SES QSTO Program

List of Qualified SES QSTI/QSTO Individuals

Any questions, please contact the SES QSTI/QSTO Committee Administrator at  gail_westlin@yahoo.com. 

The Qualified Source Testing Individual (QSTI) and Qualified Source Testing Observer (QSTO) program is conducted by the Source Evaluation Society (SES) as a service to the source testing industry.  

The goal of the SES QSTI/QSTO exam and abilities assessment is to determine whether the candidate demonstrates knowledge and the ability to apply source testing methods and fundamental engineering and chemistry principles in a manner consistent with that of a field test team leader. In addition to thorough and practical knowledge of source testing methods, those principles include an understanding of elementary physical gas laws and chemistry, basics of safety and hazardous material handling, and primary theories of source testing (e.g., isokinetic and proportional sampling). The candidate is expected to exemplify and demonstrate professional and ethical conduct not only during the exam process but also in representing SES as a QSTI or QSTO.

We believe that the SES QSTI/QSTO program is one way to satisfy the accreditation standard for organizations (e.g., ASTM D7036-04), and potentially new EPA regulations, as the SES QSTI/QSTO exams are designed to cover the areas of competence and basic methods described in the ASTM standard.

This program is consistent with the mission of SES to advance the applied sciences relating to source evaluation with respect to air pollution and air pollution control by:  (1) promoting the development of concepts and techniques relating to the field; (2) encouraging related professional development and knowledge; and (3) striving to ensure the highest professional standards by its members.

1.  Requirements for the SES QSTI/QSTO Application

2.   OFFICIAL SOURCE EVALUATION SOCIETY QUALIFICATION APPLICATION FOR SOURCE EMISSIONS TESTER  - This form should be used when submitting an application for the first time.      (pdf format)    Word Format

 (This form can be filled out on line then printed out.  If you need a copy emailed to you, please send a request via email to gail_westlin@yahoo.com.)

3.    SES QSTI/QSTO Expiration and Renewal Policy Guidelines (includes renewal application - only to be used when renewing your SES QSTI or QSTO approval certificate)

4.    New - Appeal Process

5.   Recommendation/Reference Form.  (This form can be filled out on line then printed out.)  You may email the form to gail_westlin@yahoo.com or fax it to 919-572-2203.  The Source Evaluation Society QSTI/QSTO review committee has made a available a standardized form for applicants and their recommending reference sources to use as an option to formal letters of recommendation. Candidates submitting SES QSTI/QSTO applications may have their references use this form, other similar form, or written letters of recommendation, as preferred.  

6.   Project Descriptions Examples (Word format).  As a guideline for completing the project experience element of the SES QSTI application, the SES QSTI/QSTO Review Committee has provided two examples for your use.  The components of these examples coincide with those outlined in the SES application form.   

7.   Group Exams Available - Methods Covered Under Each Exam  (NOTE: Each of the exams will have questions addressing basic principles of source testing including test site safety, proportional and representative sampling, and calculation corrections for standard conditions and excess air.)

8.  The secret is out. How to pass the QSTI/QSTO methods examinations. The SES and the Instack websites now have a guidance document on how to prepare for and take the SES QSTI/QSTO examinations. The document is not a comprehensive study guide, but is a collection of suggestions for pre-test preparation.   The suggestions are based on debriefing countless exam takers over the first 3 years of the QSTI program and from observations by ETA proctors.  If you are anticipating taking this exam in the near future, you should download this guide at least several weeks before the exam. You won't regret it.....but if you don't download it, you may.   Click here to link to the guidance document (updated 6/03/08).  You also can find this guidance document on the ETA website (http://www.instack.com/).

9.   Frequently Asked Questions 

10.   How You Can Help - Format for Submitting Test Questions for the Exams